'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' described as toxic by former employees

11 employees went on the record anonymously to share their experience

Ellen DeGeneres’ eponymous talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show has been called out by ex-employees as being toxic in a detailed Buzzfeed News expose.

The investigative piece includes detailed testimonies about the “toxic work culture perpetuated by Ellen and her executive producers and recounts the experiences of 10 former and one current employee – all of whom went on record anonymously, reportedly ‘for fear of retribution from Ellen and the industry at large.’

Describing the environment as “filled with racism, fear and intimidation,” the employees relayed instances where some were fired for taking medical or bereavement leaves, and were also instructed to not talk to Ellen if they saw her in the office.

A black woman who had been on the team for a year-and-a-half said she experienced “racist comments, actions, and microagressions.” She also quoted a main writer on the show who told her, “I’m sorry, I only know the names of the white people who work here.” The offhanded comment at a work party was laughed off by other employees.

Another employee went on record to say that the ‘be kind’ narrative that is integral to the show is a farce. “That ‘be kind’ bull**** only happens when the cameras are on. It’s all for show. I know they give money to people and help them out, but it’s for show,” they said.

It is pertinent to mention that the majority of ire was directed at senior managers and executives, but Ellen was burdened with not taking more responsibility. “If she wants to have her own show and have her name on the show title, she needs to be more involved to see what's going on. I think the executive producers surround her and tell her, ‘Things are going great, everybody's happy,’ and she just believes that, but it's her responsibility to go beyond that,” said one former employee.

The executive producers at Ellen, Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly, and Andy Lassner, also made a joint statement to Buzzfeed News, saying that they take the stories of the employees "very seriously."

“We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience. It’s not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us. For the record, the day to day responsibility of the Ellen show is completely on us. We take all of this very seriously and we realize, as many in the world are learning, that we need to do better, are committed to do better, and we will do better,” they said.

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